Xixax Film Forum

My choice is 25th Hour. Even though I'm not a real New Yorker this film is so fucking New York for me. I love New York and this film represents everythign I love about it.

Either 25th Hour or Vanilla Sky

I voted for Annie Hall, although I think Scorsese films need to be on there.

EDIT:  Annie Hall gets the nod over The Royal Tenenbaums for me b/c although Tenenbaums is shot and located in NY, it still feels like it's a different New York.  In Annie Hall the fact that they are New Yorkers is important.

yeah, I know Scorsese's a true New York filmmaker...kinda forgot him.

His films doesn't have me longing for New York though...

I voted (any other Woody Allen film) because MANHATTAN is the best film about NYC. Like it or hate it, it's all about loving the city.

Quote from: RoyalTenenbaumI voted (any other Woody Allen film) because MANHATTAN is the best film about NYC. Like it or hate it, it's all about loving the city.

almost exactly what i was going to say

Quote from: mogwaii think spike lee did a brave and amazing job.

That's without any doubt. I loved the movie and definately would place it among the best movies about New York. I just love that this is a city that inspired so many different films from many directors. I mean, look at the Woody Allen New York, the Scorsese New York, the Spike Lee New York, Wes Anderson New York... they don't have much in common (well, Spike Lee's and Scorsese's have something, but anyway...)

Im going to say Woody Allen is the king of NY

I'm continually surprised to how large the complements for The 25th Hour are. I must say I didn't even like it. The movie is a portrait of a man facing the end of  his life and meeting all his frustations head on, but really, the movie is very relaxed. When Norton's character stands in front of the mirror and allows his "third face" to act out all his aggression and basically cuss out every race of people, I didn't feel that anger. Nothing in the movie suggested he had anger towards those people at all. Also, the structure feels way too casual to really address the situation. The movie really isn't of specific scenes going for specific things, but of scenes that begin with a situation and continually wander for an over extended period of time. By the time it feels the point of the scene is made, the scene continues on and makes the same point over and again. This also speaks for the movie feeling too relaxed with the anger Norton has inside of him.

I say Manhatton or Taxi Driver.  One loves the city, and one hates it, so they both play huge parts.

Quote from: The Gold TrumpetNothing in the movie suggested he had anger towards those people at all.

That's because he didn't, not really. He was just looking for a way to justify what has happened to him, when really its only his own fault.

Quote from: classical gasI say Manhatton or Taxi Driver.  One loves the city, and one hates it, so they both play huge parts.

That's exactly what I was going to say. Both perceptions of NYC are presented passionately for their respective extremes and I can't decide which one I would choose: the positive or the negative.

I think 25th was the best film of the year and deserved much more praise than it got.

But as far as this thread goes, how could you leave out The Ghostbuster Movies?  They are the perfect NY movies.

Quote from: ®edlum

Quote from: The Gold TrumpetNothing in the movie suggested he had anger towards those people at all.

That's because he didn't, not really. He was just looking for a way to justify what has happened to him, when really its only his own fault.

And the cause of his outburst of anger, honest or not, was his frustation with what was happening to him in his life. Where was the feeling of that in the movie? The movie was too relaxed for his situation to be felt or or become tragic.

Quote from: The Gold Trumpet

Quote from: ®edlum

Quote from: The Gold TrumpetNothing in the movie suggested he had anger towards those people at all.

That's because he didn't, not really. He was just looking for a way to justify what has happened to him, when really its only his own fault.

And the cause of his outburst of anger, honest or not, was his frustation with what was happening to him in his life. Where was the feeling of that in the movie? The movie was too relaxed for his situation to be felt or or become tragic.

Stop it.  We're talking about how wonderful new york is.

if you wanna contribute to that discussion (again) go here (http://www.xixax.com/viewtopic.php?t=67&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15)

Out of the ones you listed there, I'm going to have to go with 25th Hour, I'll agree with you. It's all New York and nothing else. The whole thing takes place in New York and it feels like it belongs there, it's very cool to see that, it's very beautiful. Even the "fuck you" montage is beautiful to me, even with all it's audacity and anger and everything, it's still beautiful I think - like the shots of the kids most of all, and the time lapse shots too.

I also wanna mention Elf cause I don't think anybody else has yet. Yea, I think Favreau's love for NY really shows in there with the Ray's Pizza reference and Gimbels and all, I know not everybody might agree but I think it was a New York movie as much as it was a christmas movie....it's a great fucking movie too, just saw it yesterday. Zooey Deschanel....all that and she can sing too....wow. It's the last christmas classic I think I'll be seeing for awhile - unless Bad Santa is better than I think it is going to be anyways. It's one I'll want to revisit every year, it's the first New York christmas movie in a long time.

Quote from: Pedro el Fascolomis

Quote from: The Gold Trumpet

Quote from: ®edlum

Quote from: The Gold TrumpetNothing in the movie suggested he had anger towards those people at all.

That's because he didn't, not really. He was just looking for a way to justify what has happened to him, when really its only his own fault.

And the cause of his outburst of anger, honest or not, was his frustation with what was happening to him in his life. Where was the feeling of that in the movie? The movie was too relaxed for his situation to be felt or or become tragic.

Stop it.  We're talking about how wonderful new york is.

if you wanna contribute to that discussion (again) go here (http://www.xixax.com/viewtopic.php?t=67&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15)

With all due respect, I'll keep my opinion coming on the 25th Hour here if people are willing to discuss for the sheer fact it is actually discussion, something that continues to get thinner here by the day. And really, what thread completely follows guide of the opening post?

Quote from: The Gold Trumpet

Quote from: Pedro el Fascolomis

Quote from: The Gold Trumpet

Quote from: ®edlum

Quote from: The Gold TrumpetNothing in the movie suggested he had anger towards those people at all.

That's because he didn't, not really. He was just looking for a way to justify what has happened to him, when really its only his own fault.

And the cause of his outburst of anger, honest or not, was his frustation with what was happening to him in his life. Where was the feeling of that in the movie? The movie was too relaxed for his situation to be felt or or become tragic.

Stop it.  We're talking about how wonderful new york is.

if you wanna contribute to that discussion (again) go here (http://www.xixax.com/viewtopic.php?t=67&postdays=0&postorder=asc&start=15)

With all due respect, I'll keep my opinion coming on the 25th Hour here if people are willing to discuss for the sheer fact it is actually discussion, something that continues to get thinner here by the day. And really, what thread completely follows guide of the opening post?

k

Quote from: The Gold Trumpet

And the cause of his outburst of anger, honest or not, was his frustation with what was happening to him in his life. Where was the feeling of that in the movie? The movie was too relaxed for his situation to be felt or or become tragic.

I think it's hard to understand the mindset of someone in his position, but I think the "relaxed" appraoch to his last 24 hours appeared that way because it was extremely reflective. I mean a lot of the information for the build up to his arrest is done in flashbacks as he sits on a bench looking accross the river, or just walking around with Doyle.

Also I think that it creeps up on him. The scene where his dad comes to pick him up is so gut wrenching because we as an audience, and perhaps Monty himself were quite happy to ignore the inevitable.

I just got the book, so I'm going take a look at what angle that takes. I read an interview with the author where he seemed surprised that people even questioned whether Monty goes to jail in the end.

Anyway, my favourite New York movie is When Harry Met Sally.

Quote from: ®edlumI think it's hard to understand the mindset of someone in his position, but I think the "relaxed" appraoch to his last 24 hours appeared that way because it was extremely reflective. I mean a lot of the information for the build up to his arrest is done in flashbacks as he sits on a bench looking accross the river, or just walking around with Doyle.

But, is it all just to be reflective? I see two things that should be at struggle for Norton really felt: his struggle to accept his fate and his attempts to make some peace with himself and everyone around him. Its a delicate balance, but the film is too relaxed to convey the first feeling.

The loose narrative of long scene after long scene of him "hanging with the boys" is too intrusive to allow for a really good portrait of Norton's situation. He has three friends and the movie makes a point to acquire as much of their banal get togethers as possible. It is one thing to involve other characters, it is another thing to want to document every moment of them to the point it goes beyond a well constructed plot with higher goals.

Quote from: The Gold TrumpetThe movie was too relaxed for his situation to be felt or or become tragic.

IT WASNT SUPPOSE TO BE TRAGIC!  The guys is a drug dealer.  The movie is about him and his friends coming to terms with what is about to happen.  It is relaxed because these peple have to deal with the fact that they know he deserves it.  It would be all emotional and "tragic" if he was framed or something along those lines.


seriously though Ghost Busters.

Quote from: Banky

Quote from: The Gold TrumpetThe movie was too relaxed for his situation to be felt or or become tragic.

IT WASNT SUPPOSE TO BE TRAGIC!  The guys is a drug dealer.  The movie is about him and his friends coming to terms with what is about to happen.  It is relaxed because these peple have to deal with the fact that they know he deserves it.  It would be all emotional and "tragic" if he was framed or something along those lines.

Wasn't Norton betrayed by people in his own organization? Wasn't one of the main ideas is that he was trying to become legimitate but got fucked over before he really could? Tradegy is attempted because even when Norton learns who betrayed him and allowed to kill the man, he doesn't do it. He doesn't give into the accusations his girlfriend did it either. We are meant to care for this man because he has changed, but also understand his past faults. The whole idea is of caring for men who had done wrongs in the past and must come to grips with choices in their life. The portrayal in the film is too poignant not to ask to us to care for him.

I agree with everything ®edlum said (except the Harry met Sally thing :) )

A more tight and tense pace (or narrative) would have resulted in a thriller which it isn't. It's a drama, I agree it's tragic but it's not a tragedy, it's a tragic drama.

If nothing else, Barry Pepper blew me away. They all did but Pepper especially.

Quote from: kotteA more tight and tense pace (or narrative) would have resulted in a thriller which it isn't. It's a drama, I agree it's tragic but it's not a tragedy, it's a tragic drama.

A thriller? You can't create a thriller just by changing the pace or tone of the narrative. You have to change the entire plot. I said the scenes were too loose, yes, but I never said it could be corrected with tempo change. It needs a better thought out story.

Quote from: The Gold Trumpet

Quote from: kotteA more tight and tense pace (or narrative) would have resulted in a thriller which it isn't. It's a drama, I agree it's tragic but it's not a tragedy, it's a tragic drama.

A thriller? You can't create a thriller just by changing the pace or tone of the narrative. You have to change the entire plot. I said the scenes were too loose, yes, but I never said it could be corrected with tempo change. It needs a better thought out story.

Ok...pace doesn't change genre, I agree.

I think the story's great. I was afraid it was going to be too much of a thriller. I love that it's philosophically and beautifully slow.

I can hardly watch the film without longing for NYC so much that it aces.

Quote from: The Gold Trumpet

Quote from: kotteA more tight and tense pace (or narrative) would have resulted in a thriller which it isn't. It's a drama, I agree it's tragic but it's not a tragedy, it's a tragic drama.

A thriller? You can't create a thriller just by changing the pace or tone of the narrative. You have to change the entire plot. I said the scenes were too loose, yes, but I never said it could be corrected with tempo change. It needs a better thought out story.

I think there was potential to make this into a thriller by upping the pace but more importantly, giving the whole "who set him up" element more emphasis. I completely ignored that whole sub-plot whilst watching it anyway, mainly because Monty didnt really care that much and the fact that it had nothing to do with the theme of the film.

I don't think Monty trying to come clean was much of an issue either. It was just basic to the whole story that Monty was a good guy despite being a drug dealer, he didnt have a sudden change of heart and say "you know what this is wrong". He'd have still been dealing if he hadn't got caught, he said it himself - "I got greedy". So I don't think we are meant to care for him because he has changed. We like him from the very begginning of the film because he rescues the dog, not because he is struggling with guilt. If there's anyone who is feeling guilt its his dad, as it has been said, brillantly acted by Barry Pepper.

QuoteThe portrayal in the film is too poignant not to ask to us to care for him.

What do you mean here, GT?

Quote from: ®edlum

Quote from: The Gold Trumpet

Quote from: kotteA more tight and tense pace (or narrative) would have resulted in a thriller which it isn't. It's a drama, I agree it's tragic but it's not a tragedy, it's a tragic drama.

A thriller? You can't create a thriller just by changing the pace or tone of the narrative. You have to change the entire plot. I said the scenes were too loose, yes, but I never said it could be corrected with tempo change. It needs a better thought out story.

I think there was potential to make this into a thriller by upping the pace but more importantly, giving the whole "who set him up" element more emphasis. I completely ignored that whole sub-plot whilst watching it anyway, mainly because Monty didnt really care that much and the fact that it had nothing to do with the theme of the film.

I don't think Monty trying to come clean was much of an issue either. It was just basic to the whole story that Monty was a good guy despite being a drug dealer, he didnt have a sudden change of heart and say "you know what this is wrong". He'd have still been dealing if he hadn't got caught, he said it himself - "I got greedy". So I don't think we are meant to care for him because he has changed. We like him from the very begginning of the film because he rescues the dog, not because he is struggling with guilt. If there's anyone who is feeling guilt its his dad, as it has been said, brillantly acted by Barry Pepper.

That may be very true. I can accept it. Its been a while since I've seen the film anyways. But, you do make a point to show the audiences does care for him. Other characteristics is that he is honest about his life and thoughtful to his friends and girlfriend when about to lose it all. Things outside of the drug dealer role we are expected to get.

QuoteThe portrayal in the film is too poignant not to ask to us to care for him.

Quote from: ®edlumWhat do you mean here, GT?

The film simply delves on many emotional parts of his life we may not expect of a portrait of a drug dealer. Thus, it sets a tone where it is ripe for us to care for him.

Must say, though, nice to be discussing again with you Redlum. Its been a while since The Royal Tennebaums one.

Ah, I see what you mean. They don't show both sides of the coin, so to speak. This is definately a fair point. They don't give screen time to more unsavoury aspects of his job, or more importantly - bad things that he may have done that you'd more commonly associate with a dealer. The only time I can think they did this was the addict at the start of the film but that hardly reflected that poorly on Monty. But I guess these aspects of his job can be assumed, and are commented on in the conversation between his two friends.

This does lead me to wonder if I would have liked the film as much if my feelings towards Monty were as conflicted. I think I woud, I dont think my sympathy for Monty was clouding my appreciation of the film. Adding this element may have made the film more honest though and wouldn't have detracted too much from my sympathy for him. But all in all, I think this a small flaw in a very good film.

I agree GT, always enjoy shooting the shit about movies with you.

1. Taxi Driver
2. Woody Allen
3. 25th Hour

Quote from: BonBon851. Taxi Driver

Fucking exactly. Jeez. It's not even a question...

I didn't really like Taxi Driver. Don't know why...just felt like he was driving around complaining all the time...

I did look deeper and saw what it was really about...a bit disappointed I have to say.

like ..Duh..
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Quote from: kotteI didn't really like Taxi Driver. Don't know why...just felt like he was driving around complaining all the time...

I did look deeper and saw what it was really about...a bit disappointed I have to say.

This girl I was in love with once said she didn't like Catcher In The Rye because it was about a guy who went around New York complaining all the time. For that split second I hated her...

Quote from: SoNowThen

Quote from: kotteI didn't really like Taxi Driver. Don't know why...just felt like he was driving around complaining all the time...

I did look deeper and saw what it was really about...a bit disappointed I have to say.

This girl I was in love with once said she didn't like Catcher In The Rye because it was about a guy who went around New York complaining all the time. For that split second I hated her...

Hate's a nice feeling...just pour it over me and realize I'm entitled to an opinion. :)

Quote from: kotte

Quote from: SoNowThen

Quote from: kotteI didn't really like Taxi Driver. Don't know why...just felt like he was driving around complaining all the time...

I did look deeper and saw what it was really about...a bit disappointed I have to say.

This girl I was in love with once said she didn't like Catcher In The Rye because it was about a guy who went around New York complaining all the time. For that split second I hated her...

Hate's a nice feeling...just pour it over me and realize I'm entitled to an opinion. :)

I hated her, not you. I'm just saying...

to dismiss Taxi Driver as what you said about it is to dismiss Catcher.

prolly taxi driver or manhattan, but I happen to love New York (like the song, which is also featured in another woody 'Manhattan' title), so i'll go with Manhattan...............

AI had an interesting New York, but we couldn't count that

what about eyes wide shut?

Commence the flogging now for the last two..........

Taxi Driver
The Warriors
Escape From New York

Hey, I have years on most of you...... :?

You know, when I went through my movies tonight for something to watch, I felt like an idiot when I was reminded of this.
THIS is the best New York movie. If not for you, then for me.
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Quote from: SoNowThen

Quote from: kotte

Quote from: SoNowThen

Quote from: kotteI didn't really like Taxi Driver. Don't know why...just felt like he was driving around complaining all the time...

I did look deeper and saw what it was really about...a bit disappointed I have to say.

This girl I was in love with once said she didn't like Catcher In The Rye because it was about a guy who went around New York complaining all the time. For that split second I hated her...

Hate's a nice feeling...just pour it over me and realize I'm entitled to an opinion. :)

I hated her, not you. I'm just saying...

to dismiss Taxi Driver as what you said about it is to dismiss Catcher.

I get it...

No Scorsese in a poll about New York movies??!!??!!

Taxi Driver is clearly one of the very best New York movies ever.

I picked Woody from the meager poll choices...

Quote from: godardianNo Scorsese in a poll about New York movies??!!??!!

Taxi Driver is clearly one of the very best New York movies ever.

I picked Woody from the meager poll choices...

Martys' films are great...better than great but I don't think they are great New York movies. They don't make me want to go there now.

This is really an excuse for forgetting his name...  :oops:

Quote from: godardianNo Scorsese in a poll about New York movies??!!??!!

Taxi Driver is clearly one of the very best New York movies ever.

I picked Woody from the meager poll choices...

agreed. u can't talk about new york movies w/o mentioning the big 3 NY directors: scorsese, woody, and spike. (and to a lesser extent- coppola) what's cool is that the body of new york work amongst these filmmakers is wonderfully diverse in its portrayl of the big apple; spike's idealized brooklyn in do the right thing, scorsese's neorealistic approach in mean streets. i would say woody's movies are the most heart warming, in regards to the city itself, not necessarily what happens to the characters.

i wouldn't say one filmmaker was necessarily better than the other, for they're depictions of the city itself and motives for doing so are often much different.

Quote from: kotte

Quote from: godardianNo Scorsese in a poll about New York movies??!!??!!

Taxi Driver is clearly one of the very best New York movies ever.

I picked Woody from the meager poll choices...

Martys' films are great...better than great but I don't think they are great New York movies. They don't make me want to go there now.

This is really an excuse for forgetting his name...  :oops:

Oh well, Woody's just as good and emblematic.

I just watched some of Die Hard 3...great fucking movie and just watching New York is so much fun.

Crocodile Dundee II :)

Quote from: kotteCrocodile Dundee II :)

okay, since somebody else brought this up, i am BEGGING ONE OF YOU to watch the first 10 minutes of this movie.  therein lies a huge weird goof that i noticed a few years ago.  dundee is in a boat fishing with dynamite i believe in a little rowboat outside new york city.  in a wide shot, a helicopter pulls up.  however when they cut to a closeup of hte people who start talking to him they are clearly standing on a boat, not inside a helicopter.  how did they get away with such a dreadful continutity mistake without everyone in the theatre being like "what hte fuck?"  because its pretty huge in my opinion.  tell me on eother person has seen this.

Quote from: themodernage02

Quote from: kotteCrocodile Dundee II :)

okay, since somebody else brought this up, i am BEGGING ONE OF YOU to watch the first 10 minutes of this movie.  therein lies a huge weird goof that i noticed a few years ago.  dundee is in a boat fishing with dynamite i believe in a little rowboat outside new york city.  in a wide shot, a helicopter pulls up.  however when they cut to a closeup of hte people who start talking to him they are clearly standing on a boat, not inside a helicopter.  how did they get away with such a dreadful continutity mistake without everyone in the theatre being like "what hte fuck?"  because its pretty huge in my opinion.  tell me on eother person has seen this.

Would be great if you could get some caps of that. :)

hmm...I somehow forgot about "After Hours", good NYC movie

wait, people mention 25th hour, but not do the right thing?